The strong force binds protons and neutrons within the nucleus of the atom, creating one of the densest environments in nature. Nuclear physicists can now study the strong force with a novel method of accessing the space between protons and neutrons within a nucleus.
The first direct probes have tested the validity of leading theories that describe the interactions between protons and neutrons in nuclei.
This research confirms that current theoretical models of the strong force describe the behavior of protons and neutrons quite well. This is even true in dense nuclear environments, where protons and neutrons can be squeezed very close together into what nuclear physicists call short-range correlations. In these instances, the particles appear to overlap each other briefly before flying apart.
Nuclear physicists have essentially captured snapshots of protons and neutrons that were very close together in states known as short-range correlations. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph.
She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated November 06, Theoretical analysis leaves no doubt: quantum effects and the vibrations that go with them turn out to have a significantly lower effect on the motion of individual particles in the nuclear shell than previously thought.
Since quantum effects in a nucleus as large as Pb are not terribly significant, that means that the existing model of the average field itself does not fully reflect reality. There is something we are failing to take into account. I wonder what that is? Such work on devising a precise and consistent description of phenomena occurring in light, heavy and superheavy atomic nuclei has significant practical applications.
Our understanding of the physics of atomic nuclei is used in the construction of nuclear power plants, the design of future thermonuclear power plants, the military, nuclear medicine, tissue imaging, and in diagnostics and cancer therapies. Furthermore, nuclear processes and interactions are fundamental to the way we describe stars in the Universe. Theoretical methods developed to describe the interactions of many particles in atomic nuclei also have numerous applications in nuclear physics and condensed matter physics, and also in quantum chemistry, in the spectral analysis of excited states of atomic nuclei, atoms and molecules.
Materials provided by Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Science News. Journal Reference : D. Tarpanov, J. Dobaczewski, J. Toivanen, B. ScienceDaily, 21 January Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw.
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